Ford's next Kuga in SA in 2013

2012-11-07 07:18

Ford South Africa has confirmed that the all-new Ford Kuga will be available in South Africa from 2013.

Although the Kuga nomenclature is a recent addition to the South African market, the newest version was shown at the 2012 Geneva auto show. When the latest Kuga arrives in SA in 2013, it will come fitted with a new generation 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and a 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine with PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission.MODERN ENGINES, COOL FEATURES

The engines use Ford’s latest powertrain technology, including turbocharging and direct injection (for the EcoBoosts) and twin independent variable camshaft timing, and are more powerful as well as being more fuel efficient.

Along with its more efficient engines, the latest Ford SUV’s sleeker body is almost 10% more aerodynamic than the Kuga it replaces, aided by an Active Grille Shutter that reduce wind resistance. The slats remain open when extra engine cooling is required and automatically shut when cruising at steady speeds to improve the Kuga’s aerodynamics.

The Kuga will also introduce a “smart” all-wheel drive system that is said to act preemptively by reassessing road conditions and constantly adjust the power split to deliver the best blend of handling and traction.

The new Kuga, along with its bold new design and more efficient engines, will also incorporate technologies such as the voice-activated SYNC connectivity system and Active Park Assist.

Another useful feature making its introduction on a Ford product in SA, is the “open sesame” automatic tailgate feature that requires a mere kicking motion beneath the rear bumper to unlock and raise the tailgate when the key fob is within range but the driver’s hands are occupied. The same process is used to close the hatch.

Ford SA has also said full details of the range, including specification and prices, will be released at the vehicle’s launch in 2013.

Comments

brak.jan - 2012-11-07 08:35

the addition of the diesel engine will definitely make the Kuga more appealing. The current 2.5 5cyl is very quick, but way too thirsty

lourensenchrisna - 2012-11-07 09:40

Ford just dumped the current Kuga in South africa from stock they could not sell else where, the resale value of these models are going to be shocking to say the least with old tech and old thirsty engines.

afrikeni - 2012-11-07 10:48

@ lourensenchrisna, those people who bought the out-going model deserves what's coming - they are part of the dump consumers who give every consumer a bad name! It's not like it was a secrect that a new model was on the road in Europe.

freddie.jones.58367 - 2012-11-07 12:46

Anyone that buys a 'run out' model is in a position to negotiate a healthy discount.
If a person is not at all snobbish about being seen driving anything but the 'latest & greatest' this is a very acceptable means of lowering one's motoring costs.
This is particularly true when a model gets the customary 'mid-life face lift', as at this time there usually is no significant mechanical difference between the outgoing and incoming models.

MuhammadSheikOumar - 2012-11-07 12:50

New model looks sharp. It should sell well given the current models sales. Think sales are around 100 a month for the old model, which is quite a lot given that only one engine and two trim levels are offered.

KevvyW - 2012-11-07 18:54

I do not think the previous model seold at all. It's time these co get to grips with their customers. They still think Sa's are stupid...

jannie.kroese - 2012-11-07 21:38

Previous "dumped on SA" model were way way overpriced....

Daniel Mah - 2012-11-11 10:46

oh well where else to dump their not-selling piece of metal. i bet their gonna sell like hot cake